Denny Laine helped form The Moody Blues in 1964 with hits like “Nights in White Satin” and one he sang lead on… “Go Now.” Laine was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a Moody Blues member in 2018.
In 1971, he joined McCartney and his wife, Linda, to form Wings, helping write the songs “Don’t Let It Bring You Down” and “London Town.” He and Paul wrote several songs together, including “Mull of Kintyre.” After his time with Wings, he continued to make music in a solo career.
In an Instagram post, McCartney wrote that he was “very saddened” by his death, noting the two “had drifted apart,” but in recent years managed to reestablish their friendship and share memories of their times together.
Paul McCartney wrote: “Denny was a great talent with a fine sense of humor and was always ready to help other people. He will be missed by all his fans and remembered with great fondness by his friends. I send my condolences and best wishes to his wife, Elizabeth and family.”
Laine contributed to a pair of early 1980s McCartney solo albums while Wings were still together. While other musicians came and went, Denny Laine was the sole member to stay alongside the McCartneys for the duration of Wings’ career.
His wife wrote that when he passed: “I was at his bedside, holding his hand as I played his favorite Christmas songs for him.” She said that in his last days, he just wanted to be home with her and his pet kitty cat and listen to Christmas music.
The couple just got married in July and lived in Naples, Florida.
